Music

“You know what Music is? God’s little reminder that there’s something else besides us in this universe; harmonic connection between all living beings, everywhere, even the stars.” Robin Williams August Rush (2007)

At Chatsmore we believe Music is an integral part of the human condition, and is essential to the well-rounded education of all children. Not only does music challenge the brain more than any other pursuit, but as a creative tool it inspires concentration, teamwork, individual confidence and self-discipline.

The aim of the music department is to provide all students with a wide range of music making experiences. All learners are encouraged regardless of their ability and there are many opportunities available for involvement both in and out of the classroom.

Why music?

Through collaborative practical work, music helps to develop lifelong skills such as the ability to:

Listen and respond to new information

Focus on the task in hand regardless of distraction

Work as part of a team to meet a deadline

Have confidence to push your own thoughts forward but be sensitive to others’ opinions

Think on your feet

Come up with an original idea and take it all the way to completion

Delegate roles to other people in your team, taking into account their strengths and weaknesses

Stand in front of people you don’t know and present your work to them confidently

Key Stage 3 Music

In years 7 and 8, Chatsmore students have 2 hours of classroom music lessons each fortnight. The curriculum enables students to perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions. Our current units of work include:

Students learn to to use their voices and sing, to develop playing skills on a variety of musical instruments, and create and compose music on their own and with others, using music technology as appropriate.

Instrumental and Vocal Lessons

Instrumental and vocal tuition is provided by West Sussex Music and private tutors in:

Drum kit students should request information from Chatsmore school direct.

Extra Curricular Activities and Clubs

School Choir,

Arundel Advent Instruments

GCSE Coursework

Practice rooms are available at break and lunchtime for rehearsal of small groups and bands.

Facilities

The accommodation consists of 1 large teaching classroom, and 4 practice rooms,

class set of Yamaha keyboards,

class set of acoustic guitars,

5 ukeleles

electric and bass guitars and amps,

3 drum kits,

a range of classroom tuned and untuned percussion

djembes, congas and bongos,

3 acoustic pianos and 1 electric piano.

Key Stage 4 – GCSE Music

Subject

Exam Board

Practical Coursework

Written Exam

GCSE Music

EDEXCEL

60%

40%

Is this the right subject for me?

If you enjoy:
• playing and creating music
• learning an instrument or singing
• creating music on computers or live recording
• learning about different types of music, including classical, film and music from other cultures
then our GCSE Music is the ideal subject for you.

What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course?

You have already gained many of the skills needed for this course in class in Year 7 and Year 8.

• You have been creating music of your own in class and this is developed on the GCSE course as you choose two topics for composition. There is a wide choice (for example popular song, dance track, a classical piece or some African drumming music) and it can be tailored to your own musical interests and strengths.
• You have already listened to a variety of music in class and these skills are developed as you study set pieces taken from classical, vocal music, musicals and film, and world (African) music.
• You have played music. The GCSE course encourages you to perform music of your own choosing and in any style (e.g. pop/folk/jazz/classical), as a soloist and also in a group. To take this course, you must be able to play at least one instrument or sing (you already have basic keyboard or guitar skills from Year 8 Music). It would also be good if you enjoy doing so!

What will I learn?

You will learn how to:
• improve your performing skills
• construct music from initial ideas through to the finished product
• analyse music in a variety of styles and discover the social and historical context in which music has been composed over the last 300 years.

How will I be assessed?

What can I do after I’ve completed the course?

If you enjoyed the GCSE Music course then you can consider an:
A level or BTEC (level 3) in: Music, Music theory, Music technology, Performing Arts, Song writing, Music business, DJ & Electronic music production, Music performance

Your listening skills will enhance the aural perception needed in language examinations. Your performing skills will give you confidence in playing to an audience – useful if you intend to pursue, for example, drama or law.

For more information, please consult:

If you want to find out more about this GCSE Music course then you can visit the Edexcel website at www.edexcel.com
You could also talk to Mrs Walden or email kwalden@chathigh.co.uk who will be able to describe the course in detail and advise you of what you need to do next when it comes to your options.
If you want to find out more on what this subject can enable you to do, don’t forget Mrs Williams is available for career advice.

SCHOOL ADDRESS

Goring Street

Worthing

West Sussex

BN12 5AF

CONTACT US

Tel: 01903 241368

Email: office@chathigh.co.uk

Chatsmore Catholic High School - Inspiring Achievement, Learning in Faith